About three years ago, when I first started to become really aware of the threats presented by coal seam gas mining, I happened to meet up with Bob Debus. Some of you will remember him as NSW’s longest serving Environment Minister. Such was his capability that he typically held 4 ministries at any one time. Here in the Blue Mountains where we were lucky enough to have him as our local Member, he was affectionately known as “the Minister for Everything”. During part of that time I was president of the Blue Mountains Conservation Society, and we met fairly often about various issues. In 2007 he went on to serve […]

[clear] [clear]Northern Rivers communities unite against government-endorsed gas mining frenzy In protest against the mining frenzy that is gripping the country, the community-led non-violent blockade at Bentley in the Northern Rivers of NSW is emerging as one of the largest social uprisings the country has witnessed. The blockade of the drill site, which began almost four months ago in response to the planned tight sands gas mining of prime agricultural land, has grown steadily in size with thousands of people, from all walks of life, regularly attending. From landholders to professionals and doctors to academics, writers, teachers, Mayors and Indigenous elders, grandparents and even members of the Clergy – the […]

[clear] Okay we all know that Sydney is the centre of the Universe; just ask every major paper and the TV stations. This week has been particularly bad for those that are not fortunate enough to live in the most important city in the country – yes, note use of sarcasm font there – with all the news being ICAC, royals, Badgerys Creek second airport, and finally the fall of Barry O’Farrell. Even the bloody NRL had only Sydney games on Good Friday. Now, being Easter and living in a pretty nice Queensland tourism spot, we have a full house of rellies and friends, so of course there has […]